Omaha, Neb., March 21, 2011 — Lincoln Financial Foundation will be the presenting sponsor of the Bemis Underground's 2011 exhibitions and education programs through a $25,000 grant to the Bemis Center for Contemporary Art. The award is part of $145,000 in arts grants made recently in Omaha by the Lincoln Foundation and a portion of $846,000 in charitable funds it has allocated for the city in 2011.

The Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts provides time and space for the inner life of artists and produces programs that catalyze their works to engage and challenge the public. At the core of the organization is the international Artist-in-Residence program in which artists are given comprehensive support and time to explore the creative process.

The Bemis Underground has developed into an innovative cultural hub, providing opportunities for local and emerging artists and the greater community. It extends the Bemis Center's mission to support exceptional talent through educational programming that directly affects Omaha's arts community. The Underground provides exhibition opportunities for emerging artists, many of whom are showing their work for the first time. Simultaneously, the Underground parallels the community arts programs' attention to civic engagement, education and community outreach.

The Bemis Center grant was one of 11 arts grants that the Lincoln Foundation recently made to nonprofit organizations in Omaha. Lincoln Financial Group allocated more than $10.3 million to Lincoln Foundation in 2011 for philanthropic activities in the communities where its employees work.

Other arts grants awarded include:

$25,000 to
Omaha Symphony for school and community education outreach programs that bring the symphony alive to students.

$25,000 to
Opera Omaha to co-sponsor 15 performances of a new production of Engelbert Humperdinck's opera "Hansel and Gretel" during the 2011-2012 season.

$15,000 to
Omaha Community Playhouse for elementary and middle school outreach programming in Omaha Public Schools.

$7,500 to
Nebraska Shakespeare for the summer Shakespeare on the Green, featuring two plays.

$7,500 to
Film Streams for the 2011 Family and Children's Film Series.

$5,000 to
ARTery for Dancing in the Classroom with Omaha Public Schools.

$5,000 to
Nebraska Ballet for school performances.

$5,000 to
Why Arts for art workshops for disabled individuals and seniors.

About Lincoln Financial Foundation
The Lincoln Financial Foundation, established in 1962, is the charitable giving arm of Lincoln Financial Group. Under Lincoln Foundation guidelines, grants are made in the areas of arts, education, human services, and workforce/economic development. Lincoln Financial sets aside up to 2% of its pre-tax earnings for charitable causes that support philanthropic endeavors in the communities where its employees work. The Lincoln Foundation awarded $488,000 to support nonprofits in Omaha in 2010. Since 2006, the Lincoln Financial Foundation has contributed more than $2.5 million to Omaha-area nonprofits.

About Lincoln Financial Group
Lincoln Financial Group is the marketing name for Lincoln National Corporation (NYSE:LNC) and its affiliates. With headquarters in the Philadelphia region, the companies of Lincoln Financial Group had assets under management of $157 billion as of December 31, 2010. Through its affiliated companies, Lincoln Financial Group offers: annuities; life, group life and disability income insurance; 401(k) and 403(b) plans; savings plans; and comprehensive financial planning and advisory services. For more information, including a copy of our most recent SEC reports containing our balance sheets, please visit www.LincolnFinancial.com.

Lincoln Financial Group is the marketing name for Lincoln National Corporation and insurance
company affiliates, including The Lincoln National Life Insurance Company, Fort Wayne, IN,
and in New York, Lincoln Life & Annuity Company of New York, Syracuse, NY. Variable products
distributed by broker/dealer-affiliate Lincoln Financial Distributors, Inc., Radnor, PA. Securities
and investment advisory services offered through other affiliates. Explore Lincoln.